If you are familiar with the Christian Church calendar, you know that the season of Lent is the 40 days prior to Holy Week and Easter. Lent is often a time of personal reflection, giving something up or taking on a special endeavor. A transformative Lent requires some intentionality, or as Father Jerry Racioppi says “be Lentential. Yes, it’s a word I made up, but it’s meant to remind us that 40 days can fly by, so we need to be intentional about what will be different for Lent – be Lent-tentional.” Racioppi, a native of Verona, has served as Rector of Holy Spirit since May 2015. “What will you do differently this Lent?” asks Father Jerry of his congregation.
Something that will remain the same this year at the Church of the Holy Spirit is that parishioners will once again offer a Pancake Supper on the eve of the start of Lent. On Tuesday, February 25 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. pancakes and sausages (and homemade desserts) will be available at this annual Mardi Gras event. Traditionally known as “Shrove” or “Fat” Tuesday, this day provides an opportunity for fun, friends, and pancakes. Tickets are $12 adult / $7 children ages 6-12; under age six is free. You will receive a $2 discount on either if you bring a box of pancake mix or a bottle of syrup for the Holy Spirit Food Pantry.
On Ash Wednesday, February 26, Holy Spirit will once again offer “Ashes to Go” in front of the Church on Gould Street between 7:30 and 9 a.m. and then again from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Eucharist and imposition of ashes will be held at 12 noon and 7:30 p.m. in the historic Chapel at 36 Gould Street. There will also be an Ash Wednesday Service for Children at 3:30 p.m. when the kids will bury the “Alleluia” banner as that word is not to be used during the season of Lent.
For more information on these and all Holy Spirit events, visit www.holyspiritverona.org.
